This section has 4 verses.
Titus 2:11-14
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation
hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously,
and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious
appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus
Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us
from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a
peculiar people, zealous of good works.
We will begin with the Barclay commentary.
THE MORAL POWER OF THE INCARNATION
First the verses paraphrased:
Titus 2:11–14
For the grace of God, which brings salvation to all
men, has appeared, schooling us to renounce
godlessness and worldly desires for forbidden
things, and to live in this world prudently, justly
and reverently, because we expectantly await the
realization of our blessed hope – I mean the
glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour
Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us
from the power of all lawlessness, and to purify us
as a special people for himself, a people eager for
all fine works.
THERE are few passages in the New Testament which
so vividly set out the moral power of the
incarnation as this does. Its whole stress is the
miracle of moral change which Jesus Christ can work.
This miracle is repeatedly expressed here in the
most interesting and significant way. Isaiah once
exhorted his people: ‘Cease to do evil, learn to do
good’ (Isaiah 1:16–17). First, there is the negative
side of goodness, the giving up of that which is
evil and the liberation from that which is low;
second, there is its positive side, the acquisition
of the shining virtues which mark the Christian
life.
First, there is the renunciation of all godlessness
and worldly desires. What did Paul mean by worldly
desires? The early Church father, John Chrysostom,
said that worldly things are things which do not
pass over with us into [the Kingdom] but are
dissolved together with this present world. People
are very short-sighted if they set their hearts and
expend all their energies on things which they must
leave behind when they quit this world. But an even
simpler interpretation of worldly desires is that
they are for things we could not show to God. It is
only Christ who can make not only our outward life
but also our inward heart fit for God to see.
That was the negative side of the moral power of
the incarnation; now comes the positive side. Jesus
Christ makes us able to live with the prudence which
has everything under perfect control, and which
allows no passion or desire more than its proper
place; with the justice which enables us to give
both to God and to our neighbors that which is their
due; with the reverence which makes us live in the
awareness that this world is nothing other than the
temple of God.
The dynamic of this new life is the expectation of
the coming of Jesus Christ. When a royal visit is
expected, everything is cleaned and decorated and
made fit for royal eyes to see. Christians are men
and women who are always prepared for the coming of
the King of Kings.
Finally, Paul goes on to sum up what Jesus Christ
has done, and once again he does it first negatively
and then positively.
Jesus has redeemed us from the power of
lawlessness, that power which makes us sin.
Jesus can purify us until we are fit to be the
special people of God. The word we have translated
as special (periousios) is interesting. It
means reserved for, and it was used for that part of
the spoils of a battle or a campaign which the king
who had conquered set apart especially for himself.
Through the work of Jesus Christ, Christians become
fit to be the special possessions of God.
The moral power of the incarnation is a tremendous
thought. Christ not only liberated us from the
penalty of past sin; he can enable us to live the
perfect life within this world of space and time;
and he can so cleanse us that we become fit in the
life to come to be the special possession of God.
~Barclay Commentary
Now to the other commentaries. We begin with the
general and go to the specific.
This from the Matthew Henry Main. This commentary
covers verses 11-14. I will give you the first part
of this commentary which discusses the meaning of
verse 12
5. This gospel revelation is to teach, and not by
way of information and instruction only, as a
schoolmaster does his scholars, but by way of
precept and command, as a sovereign who gives laws
to his subjects. It directs what to shun and what to
follow, what to avoid and what to do. The gospel is
not for speculation only or chiefly, but for
practice and right ordering of life; for it teaches
us,
(1.) To abandon sin: Denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts; to renounce and have no more to do
with these, as we have had: Put off, concerning the
former conversation, the old man which is corrupt;
that is, the whole body of sins, here distributed
into ungodliness and worldly lusts. “Put away
ungodliness and irreligion, all unbelief, neglect or
disesteem of the divine Being, not loving, nor
fearing, nor trusting in him, nor obeying him as we
should, neglecting his ordinances, slighting his
worship, profaning his name or day. Thus deny
ungodliness (hate and put it away); and
worldly lusts, all corrupt and vicious desires and
affections that prevail in worldly men, and carry
out to worldly things the lust of the flesh also,
and of the eye, and the pride of life, all
sensuality and filthiness, covetous desires and
ambition, seeking and valuing more the praise of men
than of God; put away all these.” An earthly sensual
conversation suits not a heavenly calling. Those
that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the
affections and lusts. They have done it by
covenant-engagement and promise, and have initially
and prevailingly done it in act; they are going on
in the work, cleansing themselves more and more from
all filthiness of flesh and spirit. Thus the gospel
first unteaches that which is evil, to abandon sin;
and then,
(2.) To make conscience of that which is good: To
live soberly, righteously, and godly, etc. Religion
is not made up of negatives only; there must be
doing good as well as eschewing [shunning,
avoiding, keeping away from] evil; in these
conjunctly [in association with] is sincerity
proved and the gospel adorned. We should live
soberly with respect to ourselves, in the due
government of our appetites and passions, keeping
the limits of moderation and temperance, avoiding
all inordinate excesses; and righteously towards all
men, rendering to all their due, and injuring none,
but rather doing good to others, according to our
ability and their need: this seems a part of justice
and righteousness, for we are not born for ourselves
alone, and therefore may not live to ourselves only.
We are members one of another, and must seek every
man another's wealth, 1 Corinthians 10:24-25.
Quoted verse:
1 Corinthians 10:24-25
24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's
wealth.
25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat,
asking no question for conscience sake:
Note: That phrase, "Another's wealth." is stated
this way in Barnes Notes: the word [is]
referring to anything and everything that pertains
to his comfort, usefulness, happiness, or salvation.
The public, especially, which includes the
interests of all, must have the regards of all.
Selfishness is a sort of unrighteousness; it robs
others of that share in us which is their due. How
amiable then will a just and righteous conduct be!
It secures and promotes all interests, not
particular only, but general and public, and so
contributes to the peace and happiness of the world.
Live righteously therefore as well as soberly. And
godly towards God, in the duties of his worship and
service. Regards to him indeed should run through
all. Whether you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you
do, do all to the glory of God, 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Personal and relative duties must be done in
obedience to his commands, with due aim at pleasing
and honoring him, from principles of holy love and
fear of him. But there is an express and direct duty
also that we owe to God, namely, belief and
acknowledgment of his being and perfections, paying
him internal and external worship and homage, -
loving, fearing, and trusting in him, - depending on
him, and devoting ourselves to him, - observing all
those religious duties and ordinances that he has
appointed, - praying to him, praising him, and
meditating on his word and works. This is godliness,
looking and coming to God, as our state now is, not
immediately, but as he has manifested himself in
Christ; so does the gospel direct and require. To go
to God in any other way, namely, by saints or
angels, is unsuitable, yea, contrary to the gospel
rule and warrant. All communications from God to us
are through his Son, and our returns must also be by
him. God in Christ we must look at as the object of
our hope and worship. Thus must we exercise
ourselves to godliness, without which there can be
no adorning of that gospel which is according to it,
which teaches and requires such a deportment. A
gospel conversation must needs be a godly
conversation, expressing our love and fear and
reverence of God, our hope and trust and confidence
in him, as manifested in his Son. We are the
circumcision (who have in truth what was signified
by that sacrament) who worship God in the Spirit,
and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence
in the flesh. See in how small a compass our duty is
comprised; it is put into few words, denying
ungodliness and worldly lusts, and living soberly,
righteously, and godly, in this present world. The
gospel teaches us not only how to believe and hope
well, but also to live well, as becomes that faith
and hope in this present world, and as expectants of
another and better. There is the world that now is,
and that which is to come; the present is the time
and place of our trial, and the gospel teaches us to
live well here, not, however, as our final state,
but with an eye chiefly to a future: for it teaches
us in all. ~Matthew Henry Main
Now the Matthew Henry Concise. This commentary
covers the rest of Chapter 2, verses 11-15.
The doctrine of grace and salvation by the gospel,
is for all ranks and conditions of men. It teaches
to forsake sin; to have no more to do with it. An
earthly, sensual conversation suits not a heavenly
calling. It teaches to make conscience of that which
is good. We must look to God in Christ, as the
object of our hope and worship. A gospel
conversation must be a godly conversation. See our
duty in a very few words; denying ungodliness and
worldly lusts, living soberly, righteously, and
godly, notwithstanding all snares, temptations,
corrupt examples, ill-usage, and what remains of sin
in the believer's heart, with all their hindrances.
It teaches to look for the glories of another world.
At, and in, the glorious appearing of Christ, the
blessed hope of Christians will be complete: To
bring us to holiness and happiness was the end of
Christ's death. Jesus Christ, that great God and our
Saviour, who saves not only as God, much less as Man
alone; but as God-man, two natures in one person. He
loved us, and gave himself for us; and what can we
do less than love and give up ourselves to him!
Redemption from sin and sanctification of the nature
go together, and make a peculiar people unto God,
free from guilt and condemnation, and purified by
the Holy Spirit. All Scripture is profitable. Here
is what will furnish for all parts of duty, and the
right discharge of them. Let us inquire whether our
whole dependence is placed upon that grace which
saves the lost, pardons the guilty, and sanctifies
the unclean. And the further we are removed from
boasting of fancied good works, or trusting in them,
so that we glory in Christ alone, the more zealous
shall we be to abound in real good works.
~Matthew Henry Concise
Now to the specific commentaries.
This verse is broken out in different ways but we
will go with this one.
1] Teaching us that
2] Denying ungodliness
3] And worldly lusts
4] We should live soberly
5] Righteously
6] And godly
7] In this present world
1]
Teaching us that
Teaching us - That is, the “grace of God” so
teaches us; or that system of religion which is a
manifestation of the grace of God, inculcates the
great and important duties which Paul proceeds to
state. ~Barnes Notes
Teaching us, that, denying, etc. - Instructing us
as children are instructed. Christ is the great
teacher; and men, in order to learn, must become his
disciples - must put themselves under his tuition,
and learn of him. ~Adam Clarke
2]
Denying ungodliness
That denying ungodliness - “That by denying
ourselves of these, or refusing to practice them, we
should lead a holy life.” The word ungodliness here
means all that would be included under the word
impiety; that is, all failure in the performance of
our proper duties towards God; see the notes at
Romans 1:18. ~Barnes Notes
Denying ungodliness - All things contrary to God;
whatever would lead us to doubt his being, deny any
of his essential attributes; his providence or
government of the world, and his influence on the
souls of men. Every thing, also, which is opposed to
his true worship; theoretical and practical atheism,
deism, and irreligion in general. ~Adam Clarke
3]
And worldly lusts
And worldly lusts - The phrase “worldly lusts”
refers to all improper desires pertaining to this
life - the desire of wealth, pleasure, honor,
sensual indulgence. It refers to such passions as
the people of this world are prone to, and would
include all those things which cannot be indulged in
with a proper reference to the world to come. The
gross passions would be of course included, and all
those more refined pleasures also which constitute
the characteristic and special enjoyments of those
who do not live unto God. ~Barnes Notes
Worldly lusts - Such desires, affections, and
appetites, as men are governed by who have their
portion in this life, and live without God in the
world. Gluttony, drunkenness, lasciviousness, anger,
malice, and revenge; together with the immoderate
love of riches, power, and fame. ~Adam Clarke
4]
We should live soberly
We should live soberly - See the word “soberly”
explained in the notes at Titus 2:2, Titus 2:4. It
means that we should exercise a due restraint on our
passions and propensities. ~Barnes Notes
Quoted verses:
Titus 2:2 [see
Lesson]
That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound
in faith, in charity, in patience.
Titus 2:4 [see
Lesson]
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to
love their husbands, to love their children,
We should live soberly - Having every temper,
appetite, and desire, under the government of
reason, and reason itself under the government of
the Spirit of God. ~Adam Clarke
5]
Righteously
Righteously - Justly - This refers to the proper
performance of our duties to our fellow-men; and it
means that religion teaches us to perform those
duties with fidelity, according to all our relations
in life; to all our promises and contracts; to our
fellow-citizens and neighbors; to the poor, and
needy, and ignorant, and oppressed; and to all those
who are providentially placed in our way who need
our kind offices. Justice to them would lead us to
act as we would wish that they would towards us.
~Barnes Notes
Righteously - Rendering to every man his due,
injuring no person in his body, mind, reputation, or
property; doing unto all as we would they should do
to us; and filling up the duties of the particular
stations in which it has pleased God to fix us,
committing no sin, omitting no duty. ~Adam Clarke
6]
And godly
And godly - Piously; that is, in the faithful
performance of our duties to God. We have here,
then, an epitome of all that religion requires:
(1) our duty to ourselves - included in the word
“soberly” and requiring a suitable control over our
evil propensities and passions;
(2) our duty to our fellow-men in all the relations
we sustain in life; and,
(3) our duty to God - evinced in what will be
properly regarded as a pious life.
He that does these things, meets all the
responsibilities of his condition and relations; and
the Christian system, requiring the faithful
performance of these duties, shows how admirably it
is adapted to man. ~Barnes Notes
And godly - Just the reverse of what is implied in
ungodliness. See above. ~Adam Clarke
7]
In this present world
In this present world - That is, as long as we
shall continue in it. These are the duties which we
owe in the present life. ~Barnes Notes
In this present world - Not supposing that any
thing will be purified in the world to come that is
not cleansed in this. The three words above
evidently include our duty to God, to our neighbor,
and to ourselves.
1. We are to live soberly in respect to ourselves.
2. Righteously in respect to our neighbor. And
3. Godly, or piously, in respect to our Maker.
~Adam Clarke
Recap:1] Salvation
through grace [pardon and placement in the
salvation process] is a miracle of God.
2] The salvation process teaches us about giving up
ungodliness and worldly lusts.
3] As we put out the ungodly elements, we focus on
righteousness and godliness in this human life.
4] Isaiah may have said it best, "Cease to do evil,
learn to do good."
5] Live soberly, having every temper, appetite and
desire, under the government of reason and reason
itself under the government of God.
6] Live righteously. Fervently see to your duties
and the elements of the salvation process. Render
to every man his due. Look for opportunities to
serve and edify. Commit no sin. Omit no duty.
7] Live Godly. Be faithful in your duty to
yourself, your fellowman and to God.
8] Only Christ can make our outward life and inward
heart fit for God to see.
9] The world is nothing. It is full of sin,
deception, hatred and evil agendas by humans and
demons.
10] Christians are men and women who are always
prepared for the coming of the King of Kings.
11] The gospel is not for speculation only or
chiefly, but for practice and right ordering of
life. It directs what to shun and what to follow.
12] Keeping bringing in the good, letting it force
out the bad.
These are the lessons of verse
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